#CourtsAndCrime | AM 1180 Radio

January 30, 2026

Rome Man Now Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter After Burglary Confrontation

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A Rome man who was originally arrested August 12 on a burglary charge is now facing a felony count of involuntary manslaughter. According to an arrest warrant, 52-year-old Anthony James Ponto was allegedly attempting to burglarize a home on East Hermitage Road in the Kingston area when he was confronted by 59-year-old John Richard Couey.

The warrant states a physical altercation occurred during the confrontation. After Ponto was arrested on the burglary charge, Couey reportedly suffered a medical event and later died. The new involuntary manslaughter charge has been filed in connection with the circumstances surrounding Couey’s death.

January 29, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Man Arrested on Family Violence Battery Charge in Chattooga County

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A 49-year-old man was arrested in Chattooga County following a reported family violence incident at an apartment on Back Penn Road. According to an incident report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, William Neal Thurman was taken into custody on January 22 in connection with a misdemeanor family violence battery charge.

The report states deputies were dispatched to an apartment on Back Penn Road after an assault was reported. When they arrived, they found the victim outside with visible injuries, including a bloody nose and swelling to the head. The victim told investigators an argument escalated and she was struck multiple times, including blows to the head, and also reported being shoved and grabbed during the incident. The report indicates emergency medical personnel were called, and the victim was transported for further evaluation due to head pain and visible swelling.

Investigators later located Thurman during a traffic stop and he was arrested without incident before being transported to the Chattooga County Jail. Thurman was also charged with a parole violation.